IPE: Tapping into the Multiplicity of Composition
New media studies make visible the multiplicity of composition as visual, embodied, sonic
and textual. This interest in multiple literacies offers the potential to give writers of all ages a
choice in how they express their ideas, and honors the varying ways in which each
individual learns and communicates with authentic audiences of their work. Replacing
traditional text-only assignments in any discipline with equally (if not much more) rigorous
multimodal work has the potential for increased student engagement and ownership, as well
as richer understandings of the nuances of digital literacies and their potentials.
As educators, we see that social networking, new media, and a changing access to
technology mean that, for example, to simply summarize plot and theme is to disregard the
critical skills students need to consider as writers. The power is in student production; and
production is a necessary tool for critical analysis and discourse.
The educators on this panel will share the ways they have innovated to support students in
tapping into the multiplicity of composition, developing their voice, producing compositions
and thinking critically about the work they are doing across grade levels, from early
childhood to pre-service teachers. Panelists will examine student work examples connected
to ongoing conversations at the National Writing Project’s Digital Is website
(digitalis.nwp.org).
Organizer(s):
Paul Oh
Chrisina Cantrill
Tene Gray
Participants:
Lacy Arnold Manship
Peter Kittle
Tracy Lee
Meenoo Ram
Chad Sansing
Antero Garcia, Discussant
Ben Hunt, Discussant